“The stigma around brain disorders is a barrier and obscures the true societal impact of these conditions." - Dominika Suchonova - Communications & Advocacy Coordinator, European Brain Council

Dominika Suchonova works as Communication and Advocacy Officer  for the European Brain Council (EBC). EBC is a non-profit organisation that promotes brain health and research to improve the lives of the millions of Europeans living with brain conditions, either mental or neurological.

What does the change you are trying to achieve look like? Why is the EU important?

The mission of the European Brain Council is to elevate brain health as a critical priority in health and research policies. We aim to increase awareness of the profound burden posed by brain disorders—both neurological and mental—and to advocate for enhanced funding and research to better understand, prevent, and treat these conditions.

Our vision is an EU where brain disorders are met with the same urgency, resources, and attention as other major health challenges. This means fostering policies informed by robust scientific evidence and the lived experiences of those affected by brain conditions, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better brain health.

While health is primarily a competence of Member States, the EU plays a crucial role in supporting and complementing their efforts in shaping public health policies across Europe. The EU provides a unique platform for coordination among Member States, facilitating the exchange of good practices, expertise and research.

As brain disorders are a major challenge across Europe, the EU can help harmonise approaches to treatment, research and public health. Its ability to direct funding, influence legislation and create a shared framework for healthcare standards is essential for ensuring that brain health gets the attention it deserves. Moreover, the EU has the power to advocate for global partnerships and bring the issue of brain health to the international stage.

Which challenges are you facing?

One of the key challenges in advancing brain health across Europe is the fragmentation of policies. While some countries have well-established brain health plans, others lag behind, creating disparities that hinder the development of a cohesive EU-wide approach.

Another pressing issue is ensuring adequate funding for brain health research and amplifying the voices of people living with brain conditions, alongside healthcare professionals and researchers, in policy-making processes.

Additionally, the stigma surrounding brain disorders remains a significant barrier. It often discourages individuals from seeking help, obscuring the true societal impact of these conditions. This lack of visibility leads to insufficient support for research and policy reforms, resulting in a response that fails to match the immense burden posed by brain disorders.

One tip you want to share with other public interest advocates?

Engage in evidence-based advocacy and get involved with diverse stakeholders— in our case people living with brain conditions, clinicians, researchers and policymakers. It’s essential for your community to speak with one voice and base your advocacy on sound scientific research that highlights the real-world impact of the issues at hand.